Indianapolis Colts linebacker Josh McNary has been placed on the NFL commissioner's exempt list following his arrest on rape and battery charges, the team announced Thursday.

McNary is not eligible to practice or attend games while on the list, meaning he will be unable to go to Sunday's AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots.

"That designation will permit the investigation provided by the League's Personal Conduct Policy to run its course and will afford Josh the opportunity to focus on his defense against the charges," the team said in a statement.

"The Colts sincerely hope this extraordinarily serious matter will be resolved expeditiously and that justice will prevail."

McNary, 26, was arrested last month and charged with one count of rape, one count of criminal confinement and one count of battery, but denies the allegations.

"Following the public release of these allegations, Joshua immediately reported to law enforcement officials in a respectful and peaceful manner.

"The charges and affidavit publicly disseminated on Wednesday afternoon are not evidence of wrongdoing, but simply one side's story."

The exempt list has been used often in recent months, most notably for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy as they faced domestic violence allegations.